ANA Retires Iconic C-3PO Boeing 777 as Star Wars Collab Ends
All Nippon Airways Retires Iconic C-3PO Boeing 777 as Star Wars Collaboration Nears End
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has officially announced the retirement timeline for its beloved C-3PO-themed Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, bringing one of aviation’s most recognizable Star Wars collaborations to a close. The airline confirmed on December 5, 2025, that the distinctive aircraft will operate its final flights across three days in January 2026, with service concluding on January 9, 2026.
The C-3PO ANA JET will complete 18 flights across major Japanese airports during its final operational period, spanning January 7-9, 2026. The inaugural flight departs Tokyo Haneda for Osaka Itami on January 7, while the final service operates from Fukuoka to Haneda on January 9. This extended farewell schedule ensures maximum accessibility for passengers and enthusiasts eager to experience the aircraft one last time.
ANA’s Star Wars Project represents one of the most ambitious airline-franchise partnerships in commercial aviation history. The collaboration, initiated in 2015, has featured multiple aircraft adorned with characters from the Star Wars universe. The C-3PO 777-200ER first received its distinctive livery in 2017 and has become a cultural icon in Japanese aviation. Previous aircraft in the program included a BB-8-themed Boeing 777-300ER (2016-2022) and an R2-D2/BB-8 dual-livery Boeing 767-300ER (2015-2019).
The R2-D2-themed Boeing 787-9 is scheduled for retirement on August 6, 2025, further accelerating the project’s conclusion. While the official ANA Star Wars Project timeline extends through March 31, 2026, the retirement of the C-3PO aircraft effectively marks the program’s practical end.
To honor the collaboration’s legacy, ANA has organized a comprehensive farewell event on January 10, 2026. The event will feature the C-3PO 777 on static display within an ANA hangar, alongside exhibition models of the R2-D2 and BB-8 aircraft. ANA Mileage Club members can enter a free raffle for event tickets, with 40 pairs (80 total guests) available.
This retirement reflects broader industry trends toward aircraft fleet modernization, as airlines retire aging wide-body platforms in favor of more fuel-efficient models. However, ANA’s decision to commemorate the C-3PO aircraft’s final flights demonstrates the enduring cultural value of these special liveries beyond their operational utility.
The Star Wars collaboration has inspired similar initiatives across the aviation industry, with competitors including United Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and Alaska Airlines introducing their own franchise-themed aircraft. ANA’s extended farewell schedule sets a precedent for honoring memorable aircraft retirements with fan-focused events.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765206046384-1243